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Glucono-delta-lactone

Glucono-delta-lactone suppliers and sourcing guide

Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) is the cyclic ester of D-gluconic acid. It is made by oxidizing glucose, usually by fermentation or with glucose oxidase enzyme, then crystallizing GDL from the gluconic acid solution. It is a white, slightly sweet powder that slowly hydrolyzes back to gluconic acid in water, so it lowers pH gradually; it is used in tofu, cured sausages, cheese and chemical leavening.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
GDL · glucono delta-lactone · D-glucono-1,5-lactone · E575
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of glucono-delta-lactone

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Standard powder

    Fine crystalline GDL for tofu, dairy and meat applications.

  • Granular

    Coarser grades for blending and lower dust.

  • Leavening grade

    GDL sized for use as the acid in baking powder and dry baking mixes.

  • Non-GMO

    GDL made from glucose from non-GMO feedstock.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
GDL content by titration after hydrolysis to gluconic acid, reported against the FCC range.
Reducing substances
Reducing sugars (as glucose), which show incomplete oxidation of the starting glucose.
Moisture
Water content; moisture starts hydrolysis in the bag.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against FCC or supplier limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogens for food use.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

GDL reacts with moisture, which turns it to gluconic acid and causes caking, so it must be kept in tightly sealed, moisture-barrier packaging in a cool, dry store. Re-seal opened bags at once and avoid humid production rooms. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock should be retested before use in pH-critical products such as tofu or sausage.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and moisture for each lot, since partly hydrolyzed GDL acts faster and can change set or pH curves. Use opened bags quickly and rotate FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1318 affirms glucono delta-lactone as GRAS, with uses including curing and pickling agent, leavening agent, pH control agent and sequestrant, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 7 CFR 205.605(a) lists glucono delta-lactone as a nonsynthetic substance allowed in products labeled organic, but prohibits GDL produced by oxidizing D-glucose with bromine water.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes glucono delta-lactone for unstandardized foods.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Glucono-delta-lactone suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking glucono-delta-lactone suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell glucono-delta-lactone? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of glucono-delta-lactone can brands buy?

Common forms include standard powder, granular, leavening grade and non-GMO. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for glucono-delta-lactone include?

Expect assay, reducing substances, moisture, lead and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should glucono-delta-lactone be stored?

GDL reacts with moisture, which turns it to gluconic acid and causes caking, so it must be kept in tightly sealed, moisture-barrier packaging in a cool, dry store. Re-seal opened bags at once and avoid humid production rooms. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock should be retested before use in pH-critical products such as tofu or sausage.

What is the regulatory status of glucono-delta-lactone?

21 CFR 184.1318 affirms glucono delta-lactone as GRAS, with uses including curing and pickling agent, leavening agent, pH control agent and sequestrant, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. 7 CFR 205.605(a) lists glucono delta-lactone as a nonsynthetic substance allowed in products labeled organic, but prohibits GDL produced by oxidizing D-glucose with bromine water. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes glucono delta-lactone for unstandardized foods.

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